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Microsoft has changed a piece of its software code that was accidentally labeled ‘big boobs’.
The hexadecimal string 0xB16B00B5 was discovered in a code that helps Microsoft work with Linux open source software. Hacker Paolo Bonzini brought the code to the internet’s attention by posting about it on the Linux Kernel mailing list.
Microsoft has apologised for any offence caused, and told Network World: "We thank the community for reporting this issue and apologise for the offensive string. We have submitted a patch to fix this issue and the change will be published in a future release of the kernel."
Some found the code an amusing accidental gaffe, others didn’t take it so lightly.
Developer Matthew Garret told BBC: “The first version of the Microsoft code used a similar string of 0x0B00B135 – a form of letters that roughly translates to "boobies". Puerile sniggering at breasts contributes to the continuing impression that software development is a boys’ club where girls aren’t welcome."
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